An Arab-Israeli “peace plan.” with its main thrust on possible peace with Jordan, was issued here today by Mapam, the left-wing Israeli political party which is a member of the coalition Government. Under the Mapam plan, the west bank of the Jordan River would be given back to Jordan, but “only after certain border adjustments.” The unification of Jerusalem, Mapam advised, should stay as it is now.
Jordan and Israel, the party stated, could solve the Arab refugee problem. Part of the solution would call for Israel to permit the return to the west bank area of more Arabs among those who had taken refuge in Jordan during the June war, but only for purposes of reunification of families. The rest of the Arab refugees would be settled in Jordan. In return, Jordan would be granted by Israel an outlet to the Mediterranean Sea.
As for Jerusalem, Mapam made it clear, the reunified city must remain as Israel’s capital. All the plans would be however, subject to direct peace negotiations between Israel and Jordan, Mapam declared.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Mapam stated, that area, “which never belonged to Egypt.” should be retained by Israel. The Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights on Syria’s former border with Israel should be demilitarized. Mapam also reiterated its traditional insistence on “neutralization” of the Middle East with the intention of creating “a federal relation among the countries in the region.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
